It is often the entourage who succeeds in detaching the gambler! But remember: the gambling addict is desperate to play: mind avoiding traps the gambler lays for you and remember to protect yourself.
Traps to avoid:
Do not say to yourself that the gambling addict thinks like you. Your logic has no control over the gambler because the game is a drug for him, and he will do anything to get his dose, even including you in his fall.
Think first to protect yourself, as the gambling addict will not hesitate to leave there even your shirt.
Do not think you can manage by yourself.
Do not let him isolate you: Talk to someone you trust, who will bring you an outside perspective on the situation.
Do not initiate movements in his place, but push the player to do so. It is he who has the answer in his hand because he is the one who plays, not you.
Do not blame him because he gambles, he already is guilty. And it is useless because he is in a dependent relationship to the game. Rather, if you see progress, encourage him.
Do not try to control everything: this would imply that you can monitor the gambler every minute.
Do not push or threaten him to stop gambling: logic does not work for an addiction and you might not always apply your threats.
Addiction: This should be only a game. ADICTEL helps 9,000 families per year.
How to act?
Protect yourself financially, with professional help, in order to limit losses until the player stops gambling.
Break your isolation and seek professional help: You are dealing with a sick person who does not respond with good sense.
Encourage the player to speak about the game and how he feels about it. Admitting the problem is crucial in the process of weaning.
Invite the gambler, without pressure, to consult and seek psychological help: he has to be ready to do that.
Meet your friends as often as possible.
Find leisure activities that make you happy: you will need all your strength to assume the gambling addict.
Do not pay his debts; it would only encourage him to gamble.
Traps to avoid:
